Cardiology EMR Frequently Asked Questions

• Do the reports look like they have been generated by a computer?
Absoluely not. Actually, the reports emulate dictated reports; only better. They are formatted in a way that makes them easier to read; especially for the referring physicians.
• How much time can I expect to save using your system?
With SonoSoft, final reports are generated for you and often times completed and ready to fax before the patient even leaves the office. That means no more late nights or weekends "dragging" patient charts home for completion. No more correcting dictation or wondering where the reports are a week later. SonoSoft saves time, frustration and money.
• How accurate are the reports?
Once the information is correctly entered, every subsequent office note, surgical report or ultrasound study will reflect the same level of accuracy. Letter perfect.
• What if I don't like the reports?
With SonoSoft, all the templates can be easily edited to your own preferences. The programs come with standardized reports, however if you would like something added or deleted, you are free to do so. We also offer customized reports during the development of your system and later as your practice changes.
• Can I alter my reports directly from your system?
Yes. The reports are produced in Microsoft Word which has these capabilities built right into the program. Also you may choose other systems to do the same thing. There is even an "electronic signature" function available as well.
• How much work do I have to do to get the system working in my office?
Actually very little. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your practice and we do all the work for you. After installation, you and your staff will be trained on all the facets of the system. As you will find, your staff will enter most of the data into the system and generate the reports. We provide "worksheets" to help you communicate to your staff details regarding visits with your patients. Training will be as thorough as you desire, however we also have built-in tutorials at your disposal. You always have the option to call our technical staff for assistance at no additional charge.
• How hard is it to learn?
The program runs in a Windows environment. This is something almost everybody is used to using. Even MAC owners can use Sonosoft while running MS Windows. If you are not used to using a computer at all, there may be a slighly longer learning curve. However, we use several different methods of training; such as one-on-one training, built in flash movie tutorials and "awesome" technical support (refer to our client reviews). Usually within a few practice tries, most people feel at home and can get from start to finish without a challenge.
• Can I see the actual software before I purchase?
Yes. We have a short video that you may watch on this website that demonstrates how the system works. Simply click the button at the bottom of any product page. Additionally, you can have a "1-on-1" demonstration of the software done on-line in your office. We will allow you to remotely access our computer to do this. This will allow you to ask questions and actually use the mouse to try it out for yourself. You will be convinced that the system is everything and more, than you see here today. If in the evaulation process, you find something that you might prefer more, we are always happy to hear suggestions to improve our products.
• What do I need to run the system?
You will only need Microsoft Word (version 2007 is best) and Windows XP or newer.
• How is installation done?
Once your new system is complete, your new system is downloaded onto your computer by our staff. It's very easy and fast. Our techs will insure that everything is properly running. Some training will take place at this time as well. Additional training can be scheduled for staff not present during installation.
• How do you train the staff?
Your staff is trained several ways. 1) Initially, we provide a thorough training of anyone on your staff who will using the system. There is NO extra charge and no limit to the training. 2) Built into the software are a number of tutorial movies. 3) We provide you with tech support line to call us with any questions you may have down the road. We are always happy to help.
• Does it operate on a server with multiple users?
Yes. Multiple users can access the software at anytime. It can also be installed on a stand alone computer as well.
• Can we lose patient data?
Though any computer can "go down" unexpectedly, the software was designed with the worst case scenario in mind. The patient data is stored in an electronic charting system that is generally not subject to corruption. These are Microsoft Word files. They are easily backed-up and require relatively a small amount of storage. The database, for the most part, is used for data entry and not storage of valuable patient data. Although we have never had a loss of data in the past seven years, it is always good practice to back up your system regularly. We offer an optional on line data backup system for our client using Carbonite which exceeds all standard HIPAA requirements
• Is there on-going support?
Every purchase comes with one full year of maintenance, support, training AND UPGRADES. We pride ourselves on our "after the purchase" support and feel that it is second to none. We operate on the premise that "we treat others the same way that we would like to be treated". After the first year, the annual cost is only 12% of the current price of each licensed module per year.
• Are there monthly fees associated with the software license?
No, there are no monthly fees assessed for the software.
• How do you accept payment?
Payment can be made by check or credit card. We accept Mastercard, VISA, American Express and Discover. We do not charge any fees for credit card processing.
• After the program is installed, can I still change something?
Absolutely. SonoSoft has the abiltiy to allow users to modify the contents of their drop down boxes and templates. However, if there is something new in your practice, we will be glad to modify your software as to satisfy any changes you may want. This is performed on a per hour cost basis.
• Can I change what's in the dropdown boxes?
Yes. This is a built in feature of all SonoSoft cardiology emr software.
• Is there a spell checker in your system?
Yes.
• As a physician, do I need to run the computer?
No. We train your staff to do it for you. We provide worksheets that your staff will attach to the patient's chart. When you complete a visit, or read a study, you simply circle the findings on the worksheet and jot a few notes if you like and the staff does the rest. Once the data is entered, the report is saved in the patient's electronic chart for later retrieval and can be printed or faxed to the referring physician.
• Is the system password protected?
Yes. The administrator has the option of changing security passwords for individual users at any time. Each user can be modified to allow for a varying degree of penetration into the system. While SonoSoft electronic health record software is designed to conform to strict HIPAA requirements, it is up to the user to maintain compliance.
• How long have these products been on the market?
The first SonoSoft system was developed in 2000 and was sold under a different name. After that, Vascular SonoSoft was followed by Echo SonoSoft in 2003. The Vein Specialist was developed in 2005 and the NucMed SonoSoft was developed in early 2007. The Practice Management module was developed in late 2008.
• Are the reports generated compliant to the ICANL, ICAEL and ICAVL standards?
Yes. We are very aware of the need to have your reports ICANL, ICAEL and ICAVL compliant. As you know, standards change over time, yet as of this date (11/07) we are proud to say, that all of our reports we offer, contain the necessary documentation required by these accreditation agencies. As new requirements are released, we strive to keep abreast of those changes. Although we strongly recommend using these standardized reports, we will still offer custom modifications per the request of our clients.
• Does your system have the ability to retrieve information required for accreditation?
Yes. As part of the new Practice Management module, you can track re-scans, re-reads, representative cases, correlations and search for data needed for your application - all at the touch of a button.
• Do you have any existing clients whom we can call to get an honest opinion of the products and services you offer?
Yes. Please feel free to visit our Product Review page or call for a list of current users. All of the reviews posted are honest and contain the names and location of the clients offering their opinions.
• Do you have an online End User License Agreement (EULA)?
Yes we do. We supply an up to date EULA on this website for your conveniance View the EULA Otherwise, the EULA will be located in the root folder of your sonosoft directory.
• Do you have a product return policy?
SonoSoft software products are supplied with a 30 day conditional refund policy. If the software fails to perform properly, we reserve the right to correct any problems that are communicated to us and anyone using the software must have been properly trained. Empower Technologies, Inc. needs to be notified within twenty (20) days of installation in order to allow the time necessary to correct any alleged deficiencies. Issues related to hardware which is installed and/or purchased through suppliers other than EmpowerTech/SonoSoft, that directly affects the performance of any SonoSoft products will not qualify the user for refund. Any costs for finished customization shall be deducted from the refund amount considered eligible based on refund conditions. Hardware is not included under this policy, however in the event Empower Tech offers to accept a return on purchased hardware there will be a 15% restocking and 5% Administration fee deducted (20% total) from the refund amount and all equipment shall be shipped back to Empower Tech at the cost of the User.